Letters: snakes, churches, and spying

November 4, 2013

Why we fear snakes

The article "Primate brains show fear of snakes" in Wednesday's Sentinel provided a scientific explanation for why humans fear snakes.

The first sentence states: "We're not born with a fear of snakes, but it sure seems to develop early." Are we sure humans are not born with a fear of snakes? The Bible has an explanation regarding human's fear of snakes. In Genesis 3:14-15, when the serpent deceived Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, God put a curse on the serpent: "And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel."

Enmity is defined as deep-seated mutual hatred.

The serpent represented Satan, and the curse was not only a physical curse but a spiritual one as well. Most Bible scholars, including John MacArthur, believe a proper interpretation of this Scripture is as follows:

"Satan and his followers ('your seed') will ultimately be defeated by Christ and his followers ('her seed').

But the physical curse put on the serpent by God remains to this day. So why do humans fear snakes? Because God put this deep-seated mutual hatred in humanity beginning in the Garden of Eden, and that fear remains to this day.

I don't know about anyone else, but when I see a snake, I want to find a shovel — quickly.

Craig Cameron Ormond Beach

Churches should pay tax

On many Florida roads, we see large lots with megachurches. Why are they not paying taxes? Let's work to change the law.

John O'Connell Winter Springs

Stop spying on citizens

Regarding the article "NSA collects tons of email contacts" in the Oct. 15 Sentinel concerning the National Security Agency's collection of emails and cellphone numbers: NSA Director Gen. Keith Alexander stated the agency needed "the haystack to find the needle."

As an American citizen, I am one straw that objects to being lumped into a haystack of information that has been collected by a government official.

I will cancel my Internet and cellphone service. I hope and pray someone who believes in the Constitution will stop this spying on the American public.

Lloyd E. Amburgey Orlando

Not government's task

I disagree with letter-writer Bernard L. Welch's contention that it is our government's obligation to provide medical care to its citizens.

It is not the responsibility of the government to do this. I expect our government to protect us from foreign and domestic enemies, as well as enforce the laws of the land, and that's it. All the rest of the benefits the government provides is paid for by taxpayers, and I'm beginning to resent this largesse at my expense.